First Official Day for Staff

Today was the first official day for teachers and support
staff.Many had already been in their
schools preparing for students who will start on Tuesday, September 7.We came together this morning at 8:00 a.m. in
the Max Colley
Jr. Performing Arts Center
– “The Max” – to celebrate, review the Northview Vision and Mission, hear about goals for the 2010/11
school year, and honor new and long time employees. School Board Vice
President, Alicia Keur and Trustee Mike Humble were present to greet staff.

Forty (40) year veteran teachers Mike Anderson, Max Colley,
LouAnne Courtney, and Marilyn Stuart were recognized for their long dedication
to Northview students and the community.Max, LouAnne, and Marilyn received the Golden School Bell Award and are
the first inductees into the newly created “Wall of Fame” which will be housed
in the Performing Arts Center.

Former School Board President (2001) Steve Crandall
delivered the keynote address “Change Is the Constant.”Steve was on the school board when the
community approved the last bond issue that brought in revenue to build the PAC.He shared
with the staff that it is easier to lead a change than to follow a change. Steve’s past leadership on the school board
and his willingness to be a part of our opening meeting is evidence of one of
our beliefs in practice –“people working together toward a common goal can
accomplish anything.” Steve and his wife Chris have two children who graduated
from Northview.

I shared with staff how I explain Northview to others.We have students who face many at-risk
factors in their lives and students who have every advantage a family can
give.We have staff who “do whatever it
takes.” Northview is:

James
and Joseph, two elementary students who had never been to a book store
before staff took them to The Reading Tree last year.

Connor,
a student who needed a mentor and received a mentor who needed him just as
much.

Michelle,
Karl, and the High School Band Officers who promoted the naming of the PAC
after Max Colley.

Ashley,
the student who graduated last year without seeing a new bike rack placed
behind the high school.

Bob
Parks, the custodian who took locker room benches home to sand and varnish
in time for the first football practice.

Mark
Fargo, the grounds maintenance lead, who insured his summer work crew did
whatever it took to get ready for the school year.

Sheridan
Steelman, the teacher who used her prep time to buy the book “Hunger
Games” because it helped an AP student find an interest in reading.